All the talk about “priming” would lead folks to think less about makeup and more about something seen on HGTV or on the local home improvement do-it-yourself aisle. Nevertheless, we are speaking of cosmetics, and the vocabulary has changed quite a lot over the years.
Nowadays, there are foundation primers, eye shadow primers and, yes, even lash primers to ponder at the makeup counter. It”s all about prepping the surface, preparing it for what”s about to come. A foundation primer is most often a silky serum that is applied to a freshly cleansed face beneath the moisturizer for a polished, balanced canvas.
You”ve heard the adage, “The makeup is the artist”s palette, and the skin is the canvas.” Well, that canvas needs prepping. Makeup glides onto the face more evenly, lasts much longer, and feels amazing when the skin is primed. So, think of a makeup primer as the “foundation” for your, well, foundation.
The next thing that should be in your makeup kit is an eye shadow primer, tinted in neutral colors most often resembling the natural shade of the eyelids. The colored eye shadows you choose to paint onto the lids will pop with more intensity, be more creaseless and stick around longer. Although there are some wonderful versions of eye shadow primers on the market, I sometimes cheat by swirling foundation or concealer right across the lids. Opt for primer colors in nude and flesh hues to mimic the skin”s own natural shade, maybe even a bit lighter.
Finally, mascara alone is no longer enough. Almost every cosmetics line has a version of lash primer. When several coats of the creamy formula are painted onto the naked lashes just prior to the mascara, stand back and prepare to be mesmerized. The lash primer miraculously extends the life of your mascara, leaving more money in your piggy bank. Plus, when the mascara is applied on top of the lash primer, the lashes get bigger, longer and more intense right before your very eyes, no magic needed.
So, when you hear about primers, don”t necessarily assume it”s all about painting, do-it-yourself projects for the home or such … that is, unless you are renovating your makeup routine!
Former Columbus resident David Creel owns Beautiful with David Salon in Jackson and is a national makeup artist for Estee Lauder. E-mail him at [email protected].
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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